DC Heroes in Marvel

In every sense, Anton is a celebrity.

If his popularity could be measured by the number of fans, Anton would easily rank as a star with over 8 million admirers. 

His face and reputation had undoubtedly drawn widespread attention and had been recorded in countless files.

Justin Hammer, being well-informed, would never miss the chance to gather information on Anton. After all, Batman, the most talked-about figure in the past year, was closely tied to Anton.

To understand Batman, one couldn't ignore Anton.

For a significant period, many people had even speculated that Anton himself was Batman. Although that theory had since been debunked, Anton was now widely known as Batman's spokesperson.

So, naturally, Justin Hammer recognized him.

"It's you," Justin muttered.

"It's me," Anton replied calmly. "I'm the one who brought you here, but I'm not the one who will judge you."

Justin frowned, about to respond, when the sound of footsteps echoed in his ears.

Clack, clack, clack!

Turning his head, Justin saw a more familiar figure stepping into the room—George Stacy, the Captain of the New York Police Department.

"Oh, it's you…"

Justin took a deep breath, closed his eyes briefly, and then exhaled as he opened them again. There was no longer any trace of hope in his gaze.

"Yes," George said coldly. "I asked Batman to locate and bring you back. Now there's no escaping, Mr. Hammer."

George's voice hardened as he continued.

"Soon, I'll hold a press conference under the authority of the NYPD to reveal the truth: that the 'kidnapped' Justin Hammer, chairman of Hammer Industries, orchestrated the entire event himself. A cheap publicity stunt. When the public learns of your deceit, your company and your reputation will be utterly destroyed."

Justin's expression twisted in anger. "You'll regret this," he snarled. "Bringing me down won't help you."

Anton smirked, interjecting. "Oh, it helps us a lot. Justice in New York City is restored, and the NYPD can clear its name of the mess you dragged them into. Meanwhile, Hammer Industries will lose its military contracts and a significant portion of its market share. That empty space? Consider it our reward."

"Anton Jameson!" Justin growled, grinding his teeth.

With his sharp mind, he pieced together the implications of Anton's words and the rumors he had heard. 

His gaze burned with resentment as he hissed, "Even if Hammer Industries collapses, Osborne won't let you win so easily! Your Wayne company is nothing but a pile of trash!"

Anton shrugged nonchalantly. "But if Hammer Industries is about to be replaced by that so-called trash, doesn't that mean your company is worse than garbage?"

He leaned in slightly. "Justin, don't waste time trying to sow discord. I can assure you that Osborne won't oppose us. In fact, Harry Osborne will come knocking at our door, eager to collaborate."

Justin's face contorted with disbelief. "Because of Batman…" he whispered.

"Exactly," Anton confirmed, his tone calm and deliberate.

Justin slumped back, defeated. He had lost completely, and he knew it.

"Take him away," Anton said, turning to George.

"No problem," George replied. "And please thank Batman for me."

"Maybe you should thank the Hobgoblin instead," Anton said with a sly smile.

"Hobgoblin?" George asked, raising an eyebrow.

"A full member of the Justice League. Today was his first public appearance. Mentioning his name during the press conference will make him very happy."

George nodded. "Understood. I'll thank the Hobgoblin as well."

With that, Anton left the Continental Hotel.

"Escort Mr. Jameson," Winston instructed one of his men, who nodded and followed Anton out.

Inside the Continental Hotel, only Justin, Winston, and George remained.

"Mr. Winston, I also want to thank the Continental Hotel for your help this time," George said as he handcuffed Justin and ordered the police officers outside to come in and take him away. 

Then, he looked at Winston, paused for a moment, and added, "This has been a good cooperation. I hope I won't be seeing you at crime scenes, in prison, or in court again in the future. Until we meet again."

"I'm a good citizen, Batman's friend," Winston shrugged, unfazed by George's warning, instead seeming pleased.

From George's attitude, Winston could tell that, in the face of Batman, George had already decided to let him and others off the hook.

George didn't actually care about Winston or the Continental Hotel. On the surface, the New York Police Department had to maintain order, but the underground world also had its own set of rules.

The Continental Hotel was essentially the "New York Police Department" of the underground world. To some extent, George was even happy to see it thrive.

Moreover, with Batman watching over the Continental Hotel, George knew Winston wouldn't dare make any extreme moves.

Shaking off those thoughts, George returned to the police station. He immediately held a press conference to announce that Justin Hammer had been found.

However, the news didn't cause much of a stir. The battle at the Manhattan dock an hour ago had already caught the attention of several news outlets. 

The newly emerged superheroes, including the mysterious figure known as Hobgoblin, had revealed a lot of valuable information during their confrontation with the enemy.

At the press conference, reporters were more focused on questions about the Justice League than on Justin Hammer. After a few questions about the League, someone finally asked about Hammer.

"I'm here to clarify," George said, standing at the podium with a serious expression. He paused before continuing, "Justin Hammer was not kidnapped. This was a play he orchestrated in order to escape the police..."

Before he could finish, an uproar broke out among the reporters.

"Excuse me, does the New York Police Department have evidence?"

"Of course we do," George replied. "The task force has just arrested Justin's accomplice, Flint Marco, a mutant. You all saw the battle at the Manhattan Pier."

"What crime did Justin Hammer commit, captain Stacey? Can you elaborate?"

"It's not convenient to say at the moment," George responded. "By the way, the New York Police Department would like to extend its thanks to the Justice League for their help, especially the newly emerged superhero, who calls himself Hobgoblin. Many of you should have seen him—the guy with the flying skateboard and the cloak!"

At the Daily bugle, Anton sat in a chair, watching the New York Police Department's press conference on TV, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

"Phil, have you thought about how you'll write the news tomorrow?" Anton asked, turning to his subordinate, who had just been in the spotlight and now couldn't suppress his grin.

"Eddie said he won't ghostwrite for you. He'll do his own thing," Anton added with a chuckle.

"Of course," Phil nodded eagerly. "Hobgoblin will be a rising star in New York's superhero scene!"

"Keep it up," Anton encouraged.

After finishing the conversation, Anton left DC and headed to Wayne Enterprises, also located in Manhattan, where the old man was at the helm.

"Anton, you're finally here. Harry's been waiting for you for a long time."

In the office, the old man greeted Anton with an expressionless face, his eyes studying the man who had just arrived.

Anton walked into the office and approached Harry, the old acquaintance who had been waiting for him.

"Harry, I didn't expect you to come so quickly," Anton said, extending his hand. "Sorry, I was just watching the news and got a little caught up."

"It's okay," Harry smiled, shaking Anton's hand. "I saw the news too. I'm glad we share a common hobby—seeing Hammer's fall is something we can both be happy about!"

…

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